Scion, the new Toyota car aimed at the youth market, was unveiled at the 2003 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. The xA and xB, its first two production models, will be launched in California this June at prices under $16,000, according to the company. Based on a Japanese-market Toyota model, the xA is a subcompact five-door with 108 horsepower 1.5-litre engine and either five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic. According to Toyota, standard equipment includes power steering, windows, door locks and mirrors, air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, sport seats, 60/40-split folding rear seat and a first aid kit. The box-shaped xB is a production version of the bbX concept that first debuted at last year's New York Auto Show and which shares the same engine and transmissions as the xA. The xB features large door openings, tall seat-height and ‘sprawling’ head and legroom. Toyota says standard features include power steering, windows, door locks and mirrors, stability control, air conditioning, ABS, a so-called ‘ground effects kit’ and remote keyless entry. Like the base Honda Element, each Scion vehicle will leave the factory without an audio head unit but, unlike the Honda, the audio system and wheel covers left off are already included into the vehicle's price so buyers can select standard or extra-cost items at the dealership. According to Toyota, almost 80 percent of California Toyota dealers have committed to sell Scion. Most will dedicate space for Scion in their existing facilities, while some will add floor space to their stores, and others will create stand-alone showrooms. Scion sales will expand in February 2004 to cover the south, southeast and east coast. A few months later, Scion will simultaneously complete the national rollout and launch a third vehicle line, according to Toyota.
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